Traveling the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver, British Columbia into Banff, Alberta

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are among the most beautiful in the world with each season expressing a vivid portrait of pristine wilderness. Exploration of the region by travelers began in 1886, when the Canadian Pacific Railway first began transcontinental train service from the east to west coast. Since then, visitors have experienced the beauty of the Rockies from an unparalleled vantage point. Today, the Rocky Mountaineer train continues the legacy of the Canadian Pacific Railway, via private railway routes.

Rocky Mountaineer offers fantastic rail journeys and vacation packages in Western Canada with four different incredible rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta.

The most famous of Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journeys is the two-day, (during daylight hours) excursion from Vancouver, B.C. to Banff, Alberta. The company offers a Gold or Red Leaf Service on the route with Gold Leaf as the premium service and well worth it. Passengers opting for the Gold Leaf service sit on the upper tier of the train with cushy seats, a glass dome roof and amazing unobstructed views (the photo opportunities are spectacular!).

Day One - Fraser Valley, Hope, and More

Guests begin their Rocky Mountaineer journey by meeting in the early morning at the Downtown Vancouver Fairmount Hotel to check in (or spend the night before in this sumptuous and historic hotel). Deluxe coach buses then take guests to the private train station where all passengers board. The train route passes through the gorgeous Fraser Valley where small creeks and the Fraser River meander through vistas of striking splendor. Just as you settle in and take a few photos, it’s time to go down the spiral staircase and dine in elegance with a delicious gourmet breakfast served on a lovely white linen table and large picture windows to enjoy the view (a gourmet lunch, spirits and snacks are served throughout the day). This is a great social time where guests are afforded an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the globe while relaxing over a leisurely meal and sipping a cup of coffee or tea…mimosas anyone?

As your journey continues, the train passes numerous points of interest and small towns such as Hope, where the 1856 Gold rush occurred and the Saddle Rock area; perfect for photos. The gregarious, Rocky Mountaineer train attendants provide fascinating history and stories about these locations, as well as provide a fabulous level of service throughout your trip.

Through the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park

In the evening, guests depart the train and are transported to a wonderful hotel in Kamloops to spend the night (your luggage has been brought to your room before you arrive and is waiting for you). In the morning, it’s back onboard to experience the most spectacular scenery in Canada, the Rocky Mountains. Glacier-fed lakes of a milky jade hue flow for miles and breath-taking mountains loom up against crystal blue skies.

The astonishing beauty of this wilderness is utterly captivating. As the train crests the highest points in the mountains, there is nothing but unspoiled wilderness. Big Horn sheep stand almost vertically along the craggy cliffs that are no more than 15-feet from the train and even black bears are spotted rambling through the lush forests and along the shores of sparkling lakes. This is your chance to stand on the train platform and inhale the vibrantly fresh air, take phenomenal photos and marvel that such natural beauty still exists.

The train now enters Glacier National Park where Bald Eagles soar and the dramatic mountains are topped with silver-blue glaciers. From the park, the Rocky Mountaineer train passes the turn-off to Lake Louise and slowly approaches the exquisitely beautiful town of Banff where guests end the train portion of their journey. The award-winning Rocky Mountaineer train is the trip of a lifetime and definitely should be on your holiday plans.

Banff, Alberta

In Banff, guests depart the train portion of their journey and proceed to the Fairmont's glorious Banff Springs Hotel. This luxurious resort hotel was originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and is where the well healed toured in the ‘20s and ‘30s to spend months partaking of the natural springs and sumptuous surroundings.

The views out of the Fairmount’s windows are stunning as well with encircling mountains, shimmering crisp streams, and forests of fairytale proportions. Inside prepare for a small city of luxury boutiques, excellent restaurants, lavish rooms, a photographic museum, and a spa that features a swimming mineral pool and multiple indoor waterfalls that flow into small, separate pools, each with a different temperature.

The Banff Springs Hotel offers numerous indoor and outdoor activities and is a destination in itself. Make sure to plan on a few nights stay to explore the marvelous hotel. It is full of intriguing history, where movie stars and royalty have all been equally bedazzled. For additional information, visit

The Town of Banff is located just down the hill from the hotel and is a must-visit for tremendous shopping and a enchanting atmosphere.